The Fish at Wixford reopens following £320,000 upgrade, giving it year-round appeal!

The Fish at Wixford, closed since the New Year, reopens on 1st March, following a major £320,000 refurbishment by Heineken owned Star Pubs.  The investment takes the decor at The Fish to a whole new level and is a vote of confidence in the pub's future in the hands of new tenants, The Honeybourne Pub Company, who already run the award-winning Thatched Tavern in Honeybourne, Worcestershire.

Amy Mathias, Operations Director of The Honeybourne Pub Company, believes that the upgrade will put The Fish on the map as a year-round destination pub for food and drinks. She says: “The Fish is now the perfect destination for any season, whether you’re settling in by the fire with a perfectly poured pint of draft beer or enjoying a sunny afternoon in The Fish's riverside garden. It's the ideal place to relax and savour the moment.

“We have already built a reputation for exceptional food and a warm welcome, whilst running the pub on a temporary basis pending renovations. This is thanks to the dedication of our head chef, Matthew Young, and local manager, Carl Hathaway. We now plan to elevate the dining experience, offering a sophisticated gastro menu in our restaurant, while still serving high quality, traditional pub classics that can be enjoyed in our bar and garden areas.”

The company has created twelve jobs for local people since opening and source local seasonal ingredients supplied by environmentally friendly companies such as David Moore Butchers in Mickleton, and Indigo Valley, an award-winning carbon-neutral coffee roaster. They encourage the use of biodegradable materials, minimisation of waste and are striving to be as carbon neutral as possible.  

The pub now has a more luxurious feel with added character and a warm and welcoming ambience making it a great place for a drink or meal in the winter as well as summer.  In addition to a top-to-toe redecoration, new lighting and bric-a-brac has been fitted throughout.  The bar and dining areas are separated by new open shelving.  The dining section now features exposed beams and feature pendants over the bar, and there is a mix of traditional seating including leather and velvet covered armchairs, and high, and low, leather covered bar stools.  In the bar, changes include feature floral wallpaper, clustered artwork, and decorative floor tiles as well as a new TV and back bar. 

The changes to the pub exterior include a new oak entrance porch, redecoration, new signage, and improved car park lighting. Disabled access and disabled toilets with baby changing facilities have also been installed to make the pub accommodating for all customers.  Existing loos have also benefited from a major upgrade.

Drinks wise, there will be a broader range of wines. The latest dispense technology is being installed to ensure consistent superior quality draught beer, and cider, whilst reducing waste, water, and energy consumption.

Entertainment at The Fish will include a band once a month and Sunday quizzes. 

Says Aubrey Taylor, Star Pubs Investment Manager: “The Fish needed investment as it had become tired looking over time.  The refurbishment brings the décor and comfort in line with the high standards and service, quality food and drink offered at the Thatched Tavern, a Trip Adviser Destination of Choice. The Fish, already a popular summer destination due to its riverside location and great food, will now have year-round appeal and be a great place to pop in for a drink or meal.  I am sure The Honeybourne Pub Company team will be as successful with The Fish as they’ve been with The Thatched Tavern, and I wish them well.”

The pub is open from 11.30, with food served from 12.00-20.30 Monday to Saturday and 12.00-16.30 on Sunday.